algea bloom

[mkr_00]

I had a octopus tank for 2 years with reg Flouresent lighting. coraline algea was everywhere. I upgraded to a Metal Halided, PC actintics hood with moonlights. I expected a hair algea bloom. But algea has taken over. It has been about a month now. It is so bad that the water is cloudy green. I did 2 seperate 50 % water changes. My nitrates and silicates are reading close to 0. My skimmer is going crazy pulling lots of junk out. How can I get this back under control. I have scaled the light times back and added a carbon filter. Should I add a UV sterilizer??? Any Suggestions would help.

Thanks

 

[boxfishpooalot]

we are talking about a phytoplankton bloom here? aka "green water".

If so uv will help. But chances are your Po4 and No3 are being used up as fast as they are being oxidised by bacteria. They can also be added from food sources. Such as supermarket shrimp which usually has "salts" added to preserve the shrimp. ieo4

The algae thrive off:
-ammonia
-nitrite
-nitrate
-silicate(diatoms,free floating, and sand dwelling)
-Phospahte
-iron
-traces of, zinc, cobalt, copper.

Remove the sinks for those(rotting food) and it will go away.

 

[Bebo77]

also try reducing your photo period and get a diatom filter...